New ISM Agreements

Post date: Sep 12, 2020 1:52:13 PM

Starting this week, I’ve been asking students to fill in an agreement for private music tuition through my membership of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM). 

I have been a member of the ISM since 2017, and have found this membership valuable as it provides things like public liability insurance, a community of professionals to exchange ideas with (this was very beneficial in setting up Zoom lessons earlier this year), and I even attended a great seminar with Paul Harris which was organised by the ISM.

Another benefit of being a member is that they provide template agreements for private music tutors such as myself. I’ve never used a proper agreement in lessons before, but as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic I am now asking all current (and future) pupils to accept this agreement for lessons as it will help create a little more stability moving forwards.

The pandemic hit most people quite hard, and for self-employed people like myself, it has been a time of uncertainty and worry. Generous support was received from the government, however, many pupils were lost as a result of being away from lessons for too long, and many potential new students are understandably wary about starting something new during this time and have reservations.

In this blog I would like to set out what these new agreements mean, and of course you’ll be able to read in full the terms and conditions before signing. There aren’t many real changes and lessons will continue to run in much the same way as before, but with some small changes.

Firstly, prices are staying exactly the same and I have no plans on increasing fees in the near future. However, many of you will know that I have never charged for missed lessons, but the ISM agreement states that any missed lessons that are given less than 48 hours notice of cancellation will have to be paid for. I have, unfortunately had a few occasions where I have been notified very late, or not at all. It is stated in the agreement that missed lessons with less than 48 hours notice may not be charged for under the discretion of the teacher because of exceptional circumstances

The agreement also details how lessons can be terminated by either party, and that written notice will be required for this. Unfortunately, I’ve had no communication from some pupils as to whether they will be returning to lessons, and these pupils are sadly no longer listed on my timetable.

I feel these agreements will help give Dundee Drum Academy a little more stability as we continue to recover from the pandemic. Thank you all for your continued support, and I look forward to more lessons!